Here we are again. We've been here a few times before.
Dx: Okay, two times, dude. Only two times.
Jenny: Can you even count one of them; I mean, it wasn't like Digital Kingdom Hearts was that great of a hit.
RDF1: That's kinda rude to someone who's allowing you to star in a fic after the many mistakes DragonX did.
Dx: Don't you mean, that you did and I suffered because of it?
LR: Does it matter?
Voice1: I hope this is the right place.
Voice2: If it's not, we need to ask for directions.
Voice1: Whatever.
RDF1: Over here, guys. I'm glad you made it.
Voice1: Dang, not a bad place here, right Martin?
Voice2: You said it, Eric. This place is better than mine, more or less.
LR: Nice to see new characters, again!
Jenny: Yay! New characters. (O.O) CRAP! MORE PEOPLE IN MY MINDSCAPE! AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!
Jenny runs to the fic.
RDF1: DragonX, better go after her.
Dx: Sure thing.
DragonX leaves for fic as well.
Martin/Eric: Was it something we said?
LR: Don't worry about it.
RDF1: I'd better get to the fic if I were you though.
Eric/Martin: Sure thing.
Eric and Martin leave for the fic.
Just an explanation: Throughout the entire show of W.I.T.C.H., Irma and Martin have had a bond that runs deeper than Irma cares to admit, and she actually does admit that she cares about him in L is for Loser. (Seriously, go see that episode! It's a good one for those who want/need to see drama in perspective. LOL!) That being said, her crush on Andrew Hornby not withstanding, she doesn't feel that she needs the support from him more so than the forgiveness from Martin. That's what made her truly happy at the end of the episode. So, that's why I am a Martin/Irma fan AND PROUD OF IT!
YuGiOhFreak54: Sorry I'm late. I had a project due in class.
RDF1: Ah, the wonders/horrors of schoolwork. A necessary evil if you want to live in this world decently or better.
YuGiOhFreak54: Ain't it the truth. So, what's new?
RDF1: Adding three new cards to Jenny's deck. You just missed the two characters that stopped by.
YuGiOhFreak54: That's okay, I'll learn more about them soon enough.
RDF1: Understood. Glad to have you back here.
YuGiOhFreak54: Glad to be back. I had personal business to attend to and couldn't make it last time.
RDF1: We all have that from time to time, though if nobody else reviews my latest chapter of my Digimon fic, I'm gonna Personal Business that one for a year before updating again.
Warning: If you have not reviewed my latest Digimon Chapter by the time this chapter has been posted, please do so now before the year-long hiatus is put up on there. Those that have seen this chapter have been warned.
RDF1: That being said, those that don't care for Digimon have nothing to worry about, because it wouldn't matter to me if they reviewed or not, because they clicked on this link to read this fic.
YuGiOhFreak54: Damn Straight.
Abridged Iruka: Why does everyone steal my catchphrase now?
RDF1: Because it's something worth stealing!
YuGiOhFreak54: Yep. That it is.
I think that covers it all, for now. Let's get the fic started.
Disclaimer: Just like Abridged Parodies on Youtube, this fic is a NON-PROFIT FAN BASED FANFICTION! RDF1 Doesn't own anything already previously mentioned, as well as YuGiOhFreak54 and Abridged Iruka. Please review the fic because you want more!
RDF1: Anything you want to add before we start? Any questions or anything?
YuGiOhFreak54: Just a heads up. I'm currently working on a Harry Potter and Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic story. Stay tuned for that!
(Chapter Begin)
(Recap)
"So, welcome back 'Average Teenagers'!" continued Jenny, as W.I.T.C.H. returned to the field, "And I'll add in 'Heart of Kandrakar', to bring out the 'W.I.T.C.H.' Guardians!"
Guardian of the Veil – Will
Level: 7
Atk: 2500
Def: 2200
Effect: When all 'Guardian of the Veil' monsters are on the field, destroy one monster on opponent's side of the field and opponent takes damage equal to destroyed monster's attack points.
Guardian of the Veil – Irma
Level: 7
Atk: 2200
Def: 2600
Effect: Once per turn, one battle is negated.
Guardian of the Veil – Taranee
Level: 7
Atk: 2600
Def: 2300
Effect: Once per turn, one 'Guardian of the Veil' monster gains 500 attack points until the end phase.
Guardian of the Veil – Cornelia
Level: 7
Atk: 2800
Def: 2000
Effect: Sacrifice 1000 life points to destroy all monsters on your opponent's side of the field.
Guardian of the Veil – Hay Lin
Level: 7
Atk: 2300
Def: 2800
Effect: Sacrifice 500 points to destroy all spell and trap cards on the field.
"True," replied Bastion, "But none of them have enough attack points. Nor can they activate their special abilities!"
"You think I don't know that!" questioned Jenny, "I know very well that I can't win if I attack right now. But I still got a card to play!"
"If you're thinking 'Heatherfield' is going to save you, only two monsters will be stronger than mine with that card," challenged Bastion.
"Well it's a good thing that 'Heatherfield' ISN'T the card I'm playing then," said Jenny, placing her last card in the Field Spell slot, "I play 'Kandrakar'!"
Kandrakar
Effect: Increase all 'Guardian of the Veil' and 'Former Guardian of the Infinite Dimensions' monsters' attack by 1000 points.
"Now, I have ALL my monsters with higher attack points than your Swordsman. Even with being immortal in battle, I can still win," said Jenny, "And I'll let Will sit this one out, since she got to have the spotlight plenty of times before. So, ELEMENT BURST!"
Bastion: 1800-1000-700-500-0
Bastion was stunned, but smiled. It was a great duel, no matter how many times the advantage changed hands.
"Great duel, Bastion," said Jenny, "I have to say, I had my work cut out for me."
"Why do I doubt that?" replied Bastion, as they shook hands.
"No, I did have my work cut out for me," countered Jenny, as they moved towards the stands together, where their friends were, "If it weren't for your 'Card of Sanctity', I might have lost."
"We'll never know, will we?" smirked Bastion; glad to know his friend was being honest.
The next day, the students were packing for Christmas break, or any other holiday they celebrated. Everyone met at the docks before heading to their rooms. It was going to be a long month away from Duel Academy, but it was well earned.
(Recap End)
Jenny smiled; it was good to be home for the holidays. The duels she welcomed with renewed vigor had nothing boring about them. However, she had a real surprise Christmas morning. She received a gift from Yugi himself, as well as Pegasus, along with a note. The new cards she received, she could see how useful they would be in her upcoming duels.
(AN1)
A couple dates with DragonX later, and she was ready to head back to Duel Academy. She met up with some of her friends on the boat back, but never really stayed too long with any one group, preferring to not choose favorites, though nearly every student knew she had chosen Jaden's ever growing group, hands down. The first few weeks back to school were all about getting back into the curriculum, and outdoor dueling just for the chance at increasing their rank in their year. While Jenny held the Top Spot of Obelisk Blue, it was Alexis that was Queen, and she had no problem with it, because her future king, as Jenny and many others knew, was Jaden Yuki, of Slifer Red. She often giggled at the absurdity of it, but it still made sense nonetheless. The only thing she couldn't figure out was the fact that Jaden still had mediocre grades compared to hers and the other Obelisks; even Ras had higher marks that rarely lost a match.
Jenny sighed, a few weeks into the School year and she was getting bored. She had dueled at least 200 times since she started and she just wanted another break like the week and a half suspension. Doubtful would be the best word for it.
(AN2)
The monotony was broken one day in Alchemy Class, when Professor Banner proposed a field trip for extra credit to the excavated ruins site on Duel Academy that Pegasus found years ago, but abandoned due to respect for what he found.
(AN3)
So, Saturday morning, Jenny was up and ready to find Alexis joining her as they headed to the school to meet the others, meaning Jaden, Syrus and Chumley. The ten-mile hike to the far side of the volcano was alright, if you regularly went walking on mountain trails and everything, but what made it worse was Chumley's constant whining that eve got on Jenny's nerves. Almost once or twice, she was thinking about summoning one of the guardians, just to spook him into silence. She was never more grateful when they got there, so Chumley would stop complaining for a few moments.
"Sweet," said Jaden, "Now that we're here, let's break for a quick lunch."
"I don't see why not," said Banner, "It's a good thing I saved some Pizza from lunch yesterday."
"You get Pizza?" asked Jaden.
"What do you expect?" spoke up Jenny, pausing between mouthfuls, "He gets to go to the Teacher's Lounge, which has a café similar if not better than Ra Yellow's. I'm just glad I can make PB&J's with the best of them."
"Mind sharing?" asked Syrus.
"Not at all," said Jenny, giving Syrus a half-sandwich in exchange for a rice ball.
"PHARAOH! I THOUGHT I LEFT YOU AT HOME!" exclaimed Banner, clearly upset that his lunch was gone, "WHY DID YOU EAT MY PIZZA!"
"Meow," was all he got in response, as Pharaoh jumped out of the pack and wandered around.
"Um…" started Professor Banner, tears in his eyes, "Would you…"
"Here," said Jenny, tossing him a sandwich, "Just be glad I made six this morning, or you'd be out of luck."
(AN4)
"Thank you Jenny," said Banner, as he began to eat.
"You didn't have to do that, Jenny," said Alexis, "He was going to have a Pizza for himself."
"Yep," replied Jenny, stopping for a second, "But this way, he owes me one…"
She was cut short by Pharaoh's yelp of surprise. Soon, the ruins turned into something out of the twilight zone, and Jenny felt a tingling sensation running through her spine.
"Hey, Jenny," spoke up Will, "You might want to start running, like NOW!"
"Just what I was feeling," replied Jenny, who started to run with the others. However, she was stopped short when Jaden decided to veer off into a different direction.
"Jaden! NO!" called out Alexis, but it was too late.
The light had gotten so bright, it blinded everyone, including Jenny, forcing her into unconsciousness for a little while.
When Jenny woke up, she found herself tied up by the ankles and wrists, in front of a man who looked like the Gravekeeper's Chief, who was sitting on a small throne, waiting for her to wake up.
"At last, the defiler has awoken," said the Chief, causing Jenny to raise an eyebrow, "And yes, young one, we know who you are. Maximillion Pegasus may have allowed us to live in the form of cards for the bidding of those in your world, but you have now traversed in our world, and must be punished."
"How 'bout not and say we did?" suggested Jenny, wanting to be free, but knew it wasn't going to happen any time soon. She had seen too many shows growing up with this type of plot. She just never expected to be apart of one, "And what do you mean, 'defiler'?"
"You have besmirched our realm, The Dominion of the Beast," continued the Chief, standing up as he did so, "For allowing creatures from other dimensions to cross into this one, just for the sake of your dueling streak."
This got Jenny ticked right away, and that wasn't easy to do half the time.
"Okay, two things: One, Don't talk smack about W.I.T.C.H., and two, the last thing on my mind, if it was at all, was my freaking winning streak! I was just looking for a deck that suited me."
"ENOUGH! Tie her up and set up her fate alongside the others," finished the Chief, "Yazmin has found the last intruder. Maybe he can provide us with some amusement."
So, a few minutes later found Jenny hanging under a platform that seemed to mirror a dueling arena back home. With nothing but time to think about it, she did admit the Chief had a point, she did cross a line or two when creating her deck, but she didn't really think of it at the time. She heard a duel disk activate above her and could only assume Jaden was starting a duel with the Chief.
"Jaden! Help us!" cried out Syrus.
"Get us out of here!" added Chumley.
"I would very much like to NOT be buried alive down here!" called out Banner.
"Save us, and Jenny!" finished out Alexis.
"Jenny?" asked Jaden.
"Hey Jaden!" called out Jenny from her spot hanging under him.
"Jenny? What are you doing down there?" asked Jaden.
"Nothing much, just hanging around."
"Hanging around?"
"Yep, hanging around."
"What d'you do?"
"Just made a deck."
"Made a deck?"
'Why am I reminded of another show this point?' thought Jenny, before calling out all the same, "Yep, made my W.I.T.C.H. deck. Apparently these guys don't like that."
"Very much so," interrupted the Chief, who was getting annoyed with the exchange, "If you lose, her rope will be cut and she will fall to her demise."
(AN5)
"Why not bury me alive? Or are you afraid that I'd bust out?" quipped Jenny.
"Silence, or I cut the rope now!" commanded the Chief in such a tone that Jenny chose wisely not to argue again.
'Geez, he can be such a grouch,' thought Jenny.
"Fine then!" said Jaden, getting their attention again, "Let's just get our game on!"
"What manner of speaking is that?" asked Chief, who was both annoyed, and confused.
"It's figure of speech," replied Jaden, "You know, 'It's time to duel', and all that."
Jaden: 4000
Chief: 4000
"Don't bring such foul language into this arena again!" demanded Chief, "I'll start with a monster facedown in defense mode. That ends my turn."
"And starts mine," said Jaden, 'grouch'.
"Hey Jaden," said Winged Kuriboh, popping up on his shoulder, as he usually does.
"Hey Kuriboh," replied Jaden, "Watch this, my first duel with an actual Duel Monster in another dimension. Pretty sweet, huh? I play Bubbleman in attack mode! And since he's alone on my field, I get two more cards!"
Jaden drew his two cards, which were Burstinatrix and Avian.
"Nice, drawing that combo already," commented Kuriboh.
'It is, especially since the 'Wingman' is on his way shortly after,' replied Jaden in his head, as to not let the Chief in on his plan.
"I'll throw down a facedown and end my turn!" finished up Jaden.
The Chief sighed as he drew his card, guess he couldn't win the respect of all, especially those not from this realm.
"They had better be good cards, because Gravekeeper's Spear Soldier will help him get to the point!"
Gravekeeper's Spear Soldier
Level: 4
Atk: 1500
Def: 1000
Effects: Inflicts Piercing damage in battle.
"And next, I flip summon, Gravekeeper's Guard!" added Chief.
Gravekeeper's Guard
Level: 4
Atk: 1000
Def: 1900
Effect: Flip: Send one card your opponent controls back to its owner's hand.
"And now that Bubbleman is back in your hand, Guard will attack you directly!" continued the Chief.
Jaden: 3000
"Ow. That actually hurt," said Jaden, "These are no mere holograms."
"Hello! This is an alternate dimension! Cards in our world are living beings here!" explained Professor Banner, as the Sarcophagi closed up a little bit, "So, DON'T LOSE THIS DUEL, JADEN!"
"Spear Soldier, attack!" ordered the Chief.
Jaden: 1500
'Oh great,' thought Jenny, as the rope started to become undone, 'Even IF Jaden doesn't lose, I may still fall to my death if that rope doesn't hold out.
"It's closing up more!" whined Syrus.
"Then I better hurry," said Jaden, drawing his next card, "I play Polymerization! I now Fusion Summon 'Flame Wingman'!"
'That's a turn around,' thought Jenny, 'But Jaden's going to need something more.'
"Attack Flame Wingman! INFERNAL RAGE!" continued Jaden.
Chief: 4000-3400-1900
"I'll finish with Wroughtweiler in Defense mode," finished Jaden, as he ended his turn.
"Good job, Jaden," cheered on Chumley, in spite of his circumstances.
"Way to play, Jay," added Syrus.
"That's the only way he can, if we're getting out of here," replied Alexis, 'Come on Jaden, I know you can win!'
"I'll switch Guard back to defense mode, and add in one more monster facedown. That's all for now," said the Chief, not really having an attack strategy for that turn.
"Guess you haven't been dueling long enough to remember Wingman's effect," said Jaden, drawing his next card, "He can still inflict damage! Attack that Guard!"
Chief: 900
"My go, and I'll start with Pot of Greed," said Chief, drawing two more cards, "I now summon 'Gravekeeper's Assailant' in attack mode, and flip summon Gravekeeper's Curse!"
Gravekeeper's Assailant
Level: 4
Atk: 1500
Def: 1500
Effect: When this card attacks, change the battle mode of one monster on your opponent's field.
Gravekeeper's Curse
Level: 3
Atk: 800
Def: 800
Effect: When this card is normal, special, or flipped summoned, inflict 500 points of damage to your opponent.
Jaden: 1000
The coffins were almost completely closed now.
'At least they're out of the suns,' thought Jenny, starting to sweat, 'I'm starting to boil out here.'
"That's not going to be enough!" challenged Jaden.
"Well, hope this is," added the Chief, "I play the Field Spell: NECROVALLEY!"
The bumpy surface beneath Jenny turned jagged at the field spell took place.
'Yep, that figures,' thought Jenny, sweatdropping, 'Instead of becoming a pulpy mess, I'll just be impaled, lovely.'
Gravekeeper's Assailant
Atk: 1500-2000
Gravekeeper's Curse
Atk: 800-1300
"Now attack Assailant," said Chief, "Destroy that accursed Wingman."
"Are you nuts?" asked Jaden, "My Wingman is still stronger."
"Not really, I activate Assailant's effect, switching your monster into defense mode," continued Chief.
Assailant destroyed Wingman without much effort.
"Now, Curse, destroy that mechanical mutt!"
Jaden was now left with no monsters.
"Guess you forgot Wroughtweiler's ability," said Jaden.
"I didn't," countered Chief, "Necrovalley shuts down all effects involving the graveyard, save for but a rare few."
'Just great, now I've got to contend with no graveyard,' thought Jaden, 'to quote Chumley: Not lischus!'
'Okay, this is now officially bad,' thought Jenny, 'Jaden's strategy involves the graveyard half the time. Let's go, Jay; time to turn your game up again!'
"My go," said Jaden, drawing a new card, one that he knew very well.
"YAY, you drew me!" squealed Winged Kuriboh.
"And I couldn't have asked for a better time," replied Jaden, "I summon Winged Kuriboh in defense mode!"
'Well, at least Jaden saved his life points for a turn,' thought Jenny, as Chief drew his card.
"I attack with Assailant," started out Chief.
"I activate my facedown, 'Transcendent Wings'!" countered Jaden, "Now, by discarding two cards, my Winged Kuriboh levels up all the way to ten!"
"Way to play Jay," called out Syrus.
"Right into my trap," continued Chief, "I activate the effect of Gravekeeper's Watcher."
Gravekeeper's Watcher
Level: 4
Atk: 1000
Def: 1000
Effect: When your opponent activates an effect that requires him/her to discard cards, then you can send this card to the graveyard to negate and destroy that card and its effect.
"Since I can no longer damage your life points, I'll end with one card facedown," finished the Chief.
"My go, and I'll start with my own Pot of Greed," said Jaden, drawing two cards that he could use immediately, "I summon 'Dark Catapulter' in defense mode. And activate 'Mirage of Nightmares'. I'll end by throwing down three facedowns."
Dark Catapulter
Level: 3
Atk: 1000
Def: 1500
"My go, and I'll sacrifice curse, for myself: Gravekeeper's Chief!"
Gravekeeper's Chief
Level: 5
Atk: 1900-2400
Def: 1200
Effect1: Negate the effect of Necrovalley for your graveyard only.
Effect2: When this card it summoned, special summon one 'Gravekeeper's' monster from your grave.
"So, welcome back, Gravekeeper's Spear Soldier," added Chief, after moving himself to the field.
Gravekeeper's Spear Soldier
Atk: 1500-2000
"I now activate my facedown, 'Rite of Spirit', allowing me to bring back 'Gravekeeper's Curse'."
Gravekeeper's Curse
Atk: 800-1300
Jaden: 500
"That's the power of the shadow games!" declared the Chief.
"SHADOW GAMES!" called out Jenny and Jaden at the same time, before Jaden continued, "Well, that would explain the pain I'm in."
"And the rope and coffin reacting to your life points," said Jenny, before a feeling of dread went down her spine.
(SNAP!)
The rope that held up Jenny suddenly snapped, sending her to the ground below.
'YIKES! THIS IS IT!' thought Jenny, as she couldn't muster up the urge to scream.
'Use my power! Call out to the Heart of Kandrakar in your deck!' shouted out Will in her head, before disappearing back into her deck.
"Worth a shot," screamed out Jenny finally, "Guardian Unite, QUINTESSENCE!"
A bright flash of lightning appeared around her body, blinding everyone for a few seconds, before Jenny flew up, in Will's Guardian form, wings flapping proudly.
"You cheat! You said if Jaden lost, I would fall," accused Jenny.
"I didn't finish speaking then," replied Chief, as if it was no big deal to him, which it wasn't, "If Jaden lost more than 3000 life points in this duel, you would fall to your death. And now you've crossed another line, merging with your own creation. You should be eradicated!"
"AND YOU should be locked up, because you forced me to cross this line," said Jenny, before flying over to Jaden's side and landing next to him, "Jaden, finish this duel before I shock them all."
"You got it, Jenny," said Jaden, smiling now, knowing that his friend was safe.
"Don't count on it!" ordered Chief, "Assailant, destroy these curs!"
Assailant went in for the attack, hesitating all but a second, giving Jaden just the opening he needed.
"I activate, 'Emergency Provisions'!" countered Jaden, "Now, by sacrificing two cards on my field, namely 'Fusion Sage' and 'Mirage', I gain two thousand life points!"
Jaden: 500-2500-1500
"You should have attacked faster," chastised Chief.
'She hesitated in attacking Jaden,' thought Jenny, 'wonder why?'
"Oh please," said Jaden, "That's why it's called 'Quick-Play', because those spells are the fastest in the game."
(AN6)
"Fine then!" shouted Chief, losing his cool, and forgetting the facedown, "I'll finish you myself!"
"Don't think so," said Jaden, "I activate, draining shield, allowing me to gain life points equal to your attack, instead of losing them."
Jaden: 1500-3900
(AN7)
"I still have Spear Soldier and Curse to attack you with!"
Jaden: 3900-1900-600
The Coffins only had a sliver of openness left.
'ALEXIS! NO!' cried out Jaden, in his head, 'I'm not going to lose her! Or my friends!'
"It's over either way. I was actually expecting more of a challenge from you. At least the last person who trespassed here had some 'game' as you put it."
Jaden was only laughing in response.
"Then you obviously don't know me very well," said Jaden, "The greater the challenge, the stronger I get!"
"Well, I wouldn't want to disappoint, especially since your friends lives hang by but a thread," replied the Chief, actually enjoying himself as well. This kid was something else, and he was starting to like it, "I play the spell: Royal Tribute! This forces us to discard all monsters in our hands!"
Jaden was only left with Warrior Returning alive in his hand, something that wasn't useful at the moment. He had to draw the right card, or else it's over.
'Only one card can save him now,' thought Jenny, 'Let's just hope Chief isn't expecting this.'
Jaden drew his strongest non-fusion monster, Bladedge, and he was happy to see him. However, without any monsters on the field, summoning him was a challenge in and of itself.
"Looks like you've got the right monster, but no way of o summoning it," taunted the Chief, "I told you, it's over."
"Think again," replied Jaden, "I just remembered the effect of my card YOU made me discard, and it's right where it needs to be to activate. We all know that Necrovalley negates effects targeting the Graveyard; however, when the Graveyard targets elsewhere, that's a different story."
"What are you talking about?" demanded the Chief.
"I'm talking about my one Elemental Hero I've never really summoned, because he's helped me out more from the grave. I activate 'Necroshade's' effect! This allows me to special summon one 'Elemental Hero' from my hand without a sacrifice once during a duel. I summon 'Elemental Hero Bladedge'!"
Elemental Hero Necroshade
Level: 5
Atk: 1600
Def: 1800
Effect: Once during a duel, you can special summon one 'Elemental Hero' from you hand while this card is in the graveyard.
Elemental Hero Bladedge
Level: 7
Atk: 2600
Def: 1800
Effect: Inflicts piercing damage.
"Time to end this duel," said Jaden, "Go Bladedge, Slice and Dice attack on Curse!"
Chief: 0
Jaden: 600
"NO!" cried out Chief, as the field returned to normal, his pain increasing twofold from the damage.
"CHIEF!" cried out Yazmin, the Assailant, as she and the others went to check on him.
"Hey!" cried out Jaden as he raced over, "Is he okay?"
His answer was met by Guard and Spear Soldier blocking his path. Jenny flew over, sparks itching around her fingers, causing them to hesitate for a second.
"He has won his freedom," said Chief, getting up with a little help from Yazmin, "As does she. He has won the freedom of his group, and they are free to leave. As you would say, 'that was a sweet move'."
"Not bad yourself. If you ever up for a rematch, minus my friends lives in the balance," replied Jaden.
"For passing the trial, I will give you this," said Chief, bringing out half a medallion, "This has been our keepsake for generations, and only one other person has passed the trial you just faced."
"Not bad," said Jaden, looking at it, "By why only half?"
"The other person to have passed this trial holds the other half. When the time comes, may this medallion protect you and your friends from the shadow!"
(AN8)
"Thanks," replied Jaden, as the others were set free.
As they gathered back at the entrance, Banner congratulated Jaden on winning the duel.
"I knew you would pass the test," said Banner.
"Don't you mean, Challenge?" countered Jaden.
Everyone looked at him, as if he was hiding something.
"Test, Challenge, aren't they the same? I mean, don't we do this back at school, minus the Shadow Games of course," said Banner in a hurry.
"Right," said Jenny, holding up on finger, sparks emitting from it, "I believe you."
With that, there was only one question left to ask.
"How do we get back to our world?" asked Jaden.
"Return to where you entered by the time the three suns return to one. There, the portal will take you back to where you were when you entered this world," replied Assailant.
Suddenly, an army of Guards and Spear Soldiers showed up.
"What is the meaning of this!" demanded Chief.
"Either you or we will punish the intruders!" said a Spear Soldier.
"Especially the Defiler!" added a Guard.
"Oh yeah," said Jenny, as they got closer, "DEFILE THIS! QUINTESSENCE!"
Lighting shot out of her hands, hitting the ground before them, forcing them back as Assailant moved to defend Jaden, her hood falling back from the explosion.
"It's you, Yazmin," said Jaden, recognizing the woman who found him when he got here.
"Yes, I am Gravekeeper's Assailant," replied Yazmin, Assailant, "I'm sorry for attacking you, but I cannot disobey my chief."
"It's all cool," brushed off Jaden.
"When were you planning on introducing me, I mean us?" asked Syrus, slipping his tongue for second.
"Find someone on your own for a change, Syrus," replied Jaden, knowing exactly what Syrus was getting at.
"When you find the other holder of the Medallion," continued Yazmin, as if Syrus never spoke, "Tell him: Yazmin is still waiting in the other world for him. And that I hope to see him again."
'Wow, that's a special friend,' thought Jenny, seeing the look in her eyes.
"Now, let them through!" ordered Assailant, "We are the Keepers of the Grave, not the makers of them."
"Move, or I'll NOT fire a warning shot again!" demanded Jenny, flying up, sparks flying about from both hands.
"I would suggest you hurry," said Yazmin, as the Spear Soldiers and Guards moved out of the way.
"One thing," replied Jaden, "Where do we go exactly?"
"I'm sure a friend knows," said Yazmin, just as Winged Kuriboh appeared again.
"Follow me guys!" said Winged Kuriboh, as he flew off towards the arch.
Everyone followed, as Jenny flew, until Chumley tripped and fell, scrapping his knee. Jenny turned around and landed next to Chumley.
"We don't have time for this," said Jenny, turning to the others, "GO! I'll get him."
But try as she might, she could lift Chumley an inch off the ground.
"Wow," said Jenny, straining, "2500 attack points, but can't lift 250 pounds. That's sad."
Suddenly, Chumley was hoisted into the air, Des Koala appearing under him and carried him as they ran for the arch.
"That works too, I guess," said Jenny, as she flew at top speed behind Des Koala.
Everyone made it the arch just as the portal opened, and sent everyone through, back to Earth.
When Jenny woke up, she was leaning against the pillar on the opposite side of Jaden and Alexis, since she couldn't see them at first when she looked around. Jenny got up, picked up Will's card alongside the Heart of Kandrakar and quietly walked around as to not wake up the boys.
"Jaden," said Jenny, getting Jaden's attention, "That really happened, right?"
"Yep, and you were totally awesome in your guardian form," replied Jaden, "Thing is, I don't think this is over, by a long shot."
"They never are," replied Jenny, "Yugi had gone through about seven adventures, remember?"
"How could I forget?" countered Jaden, "All those tournament coverings. I doubt there's a duelist who doesn't know what Yugi went through during his time as King of Games."
'Everything except the last adventure, since Yugi never shared that with me,' thought Jenny.
(AN9)
"Well," said Jenny, stretching, "Time to wake them up. It's a ten mile hike back, remember?"
"First, lunch," said Jaden, referring to their half-eaten lunch that was left behind during their trip.
After the hour or so trip back, they were ready for supper, since it was after six when they got back. After they went their separate ways, Alexis turned to Jenny.
"Did that just happen?" asked Alexis.
"Yep," said Jenny, "I really did turn into Will, and shoot lightning and flew. Sounds like a dream, right? That's what it felt like to me when we got back."
"I just hope that's the last of it," said Alexis, before heading into her room.
'Sorry, Lex,' thought Jenny, going into her room, 'Times like these, things get worse before they get better. Anyone who's watched DBZ should know.'
(AN10)
"I now sacrifice Irma and Cornelia for Prince Phobos!" said Jenny, as she was dueling against another Obelisk Blue, "And I attack your Divine Dragon Ragnarok! Go, Dark Element Burst!"
Obelisk: 1200-0
Jenny: 2700
"Not bad, maybe next time," said Jenny, as they parted ways, heading to their next class.
Jenny sat down next to Alexis as Professor Banner started teaching the next lesson on certain fusion elements and it's relation to Duel Monsters. Near the end of the lesson, Jaden woke up from his mid-morning nap, ready to eat.
"Time for lunch," said Jaden, taking out his lunch box.
"Not just yet, Jaden," said Banner, "Chancellor Shepard would like to see you in his office immediately."
"Hey Jay," said Chumley immediately, "If you want, I can watch your lunch for you."
"'Watch it go down my mouth', you mean," countered Jaden, "You're not getting this lunch."
"What'd you do this time? And why didn't you invite me along?" asked Syrus.
(AN11)
"Maybe I'm receiving an award or something," replied Jaden, "And I don't have to drag you along on ALL my adventures, Sy."
"With the Chancellor, it's never good," said Chazz, "You're are in SO much trouble!"
"Actually, Chazz," said Banner, continuing from where he left off, "He wants to see you as well."
"Say 'Wha'?" said Chazz intelligently.
"As well as Bastion, Alexis, and Jenny too," finished Banner, as they all stood up, "The rest of you will quietly study the next chapter for the rest of the period. When I return, I shall have a pop quiz ready for you."
This got complaints out of the others, opting for whatever punishment the Chancellor might have had for the five students.
The six of them met up with Zane and Dr. Crowler just outside the Chancellor's door.
"Well, well," said Crowler, going into his 'flattery' tone, "We have some of the best first year students here. Oh, I see someone that doesn't belong. Which one is not like the others…"
"Couldn't be Chazz," said Jaden, "He's invited, just like the rest of us."
"He meant you!" countered Chazz.
"It could be the fact that neither Jaden nor I have lost a duel the entirety of last semester," added Jenny, smirking at Dr. Crowler's look of horror.
(AN12)
They entered the now opened door to see Chancellor with a more serious look on his face than any of them have ever seen before.
"It is time I told you about the three Sacred Beast Cards," informed Chancellor Shepard, turning around to look outside to see anything amiss as he did last night.
"Three sacred what!" exclaimed Jaden, never even hearing such a phrase.
"Beasts," said Jenny, to the surprise of Shepard and everyone in the room. She had a far-off look in her eyes as she explained, "The very reason this school was built on this island. Pegasus told me he and Kaiba buried these cards upon building the foundation of this school. He said in the early attempts at making the God Cards, three terrible incidents happened, changing three prototypes of God Cards, into Beast Cards. These beasts are so powerful that they suck the spirit energy of all duel spirit cards from around the world."
"Yes, and they are the targets of the Shadow Riders," continued Shepard, "A group of seven duelists who will now stop at nothing to obtain the seven keys that guard the gate. The first has already arrived, late last night."
"So, about these keys?" prompted Jenny, her focus returning now.
"There are two ways to unlock the sacred beasts. One is with all seven keys in one possession willing going down to the doorway and unlocking each of the gates. The other: is to lose a duel while defending a key."
(AN13)
"And you want us to protect these keys?" asked Alexis.
"Yes, and until now they were able to keep safe in a location only known to me. Now that they're here, I'm afraid I must separate the keys in hopes of deterring and defeating the Shadow Riders in what they want most: A shadow duel," finished Shepard, bringing out the box containing the keys.
"But why eight of us?" asked Bastion, "There are only seven keys?"
"Who cares? I can't wait for this," said Jaden, immediately picking up a key, "these shadow riders must be great duelists if you're picking us."
"Not to stroke your own ego, or anything," spoke up Jenny, "But why first years? I mean, Zane I understand, he's the top student three years running. But why the rest of us?"
"Because your records rival, if not outright surpass those of even our other top Obelisk students. Take a key at your own risk," explained Shepard.
"I'm the top student for a reason," said Zane, taking his key, "I'm not going let them get this key."
"It would be an honor," followed up Bastion, taking another one.
"I'm not letting you boys have all the fun," added Alexis, not wanting to be a helpless damsel, "What about you, Jenny?"
Jenny just looked at the keys, but didn't respond or make a move just yet.
"I'm going to Chazz them up," promised Chazz.
"How could I refuse! I mean, I am the Vice Chancellor," spoke up Crowler, "I'm not going to let something this stylish go to waste. Not to mention what it would do to my reputation."
"Good to see you're doing it for ALL the right reasons," replied Shepard sarcastically.
"Well then, if Jenny does not want to," started Banner, "Then I guess I'll…"
Banner made a move for the final one when a hand shot out and stopped him.
"Jenny?" wondered Jaden.
"No offense, Professor Banner," said Jenny, "Because I'm sure you are a talented duelist; however, I cannot, in good conscious, allow you to take this spirit key."
"Why not?" asked Banner, a little nervous from the grip Jenny had him in.
"This is a school for students to learn about Duel Monsters. What would it say to allow so many teachers duel to defend what the students have every right to do so themselves," finished Jenny, releasing Professor Banner and grabbing the last spirit key, "I'm sorry if I hurt your wrist."
(AN14)
"So, who will duel first?" asked Jaden, "I hope it's me!"
"There will be no 'going first'," said Jenny, turning and heading out the door, "There is only 'who is challenged first', and Good Luck to anyone it may be. I'm heading back to class now."
With that, Jenny left the office, her mood souring as she left. She didn't really want to be apart of this, but something told her that she needed to be, and let Banner be left out of this. She didn't understand it, but something told her that Banner shouldn't be trusted with a key.
Jenny meditated that night to keep her focus on when the first Shadow Rider will make his Challenge. She heard Alexis's door open and close, and at first assumed she was making another visit to the abandoned dorm. However, she remembered what she volunteered for and raced out after her.
"HEY ALEXIS!" called out Jenny, once she got out of the dorm and was within hearing distance of her.
"What's up Jenny?" asked Alexis, "And what was up with you in Shepard's office today?"
"Sorry about that," apologized Jenny, "But I'm just really concerned about the cards. I've never been apart of anything this big before. Yet, Pegasus has trusted me with certain secrets that even Shepard doesn't know."
"Do you mind sharing with me?" asked Alexis.
"I'd rather die than let you be targeted for anything more than what you volunteered for already," replied Jenny, smirking again, showing her old swagger, "But I will ask this in return: Why are we headed for Jaden's dorm?"
"The Shadow Riders know we have the keys, and will be looking for the easiest victory they can have right away. I'm just worried that with that red jacket, Jaden could be first, by mistake."
"I doubt it," said Jenny, as the dorm came into view, "if they truly are great duelists, then they should know about Jaden's record. The only reason I can think of for going after Jaden first is to create a scare tactic by boasting that they beat one of the duelist who has the best record between the key keepers. Jaden has defeated you, Chazz twice, Bastion, and Crowler."
"When you put it that way it makes us seem like we are the weakest students in Duel Academy history," replied a put out Alexis. While she didn't mind losing to Jaden, it was the impartial facts of her being the Obelisk Queen and Jaden being a no-talent Slifer Red (according to others), that made it seem more insulting.
"Well, if you want to believe that," said Jenny, before noticing a bright light glowing from behind the dorm, "We're right, either way. Jaden's the first target."
They both rushed up to Jaden's room, and managed to get in before the light blinded each of them.
When the light died down, they found themselves at the mouth of the Volcano, the Lava definitely more active than before.
"Where are we?" asked Alexis.
"Some weird Dream?" guessed Jaden.
A pillar of fire shot up and changed into the shape of a Dragon as it flew around the field.
"Or a nightmare!" exclaimed Alexis in fear.
"It's neither," said Nightshroud, his voice echoing from the Fire Dragon.
"So, the first Shadow Rider deals with Dragons, huh?" spoke up Jenny, "I guess I can't be surprised. Dragons ARE formidable to battle against."
"More so than you realize, key keeper," said Nightshroud, as he appeared from the flames.
"Someone sit-rep me, please!" urged Jaden, as he got his Duel Disk on his left arm.
"Name's Nightshroud, and I am the first Shadow Rider. I challenge you, Key Keeper and holder of the Amulet!"
Both halves of the amulet began to glow, reminding Jaden of what the Chief said, and Jenny what Yazmin had said.
"Only half," said Jaden.
"Which says something of the lack of strength the Gravekeepers have kept since I dueled them," replied Nightshroud, "Which is why the winner not only gets the Spirit Key, but also the other half of the Medallion as well. And to ensure this is done quickly, I've invited some friends to play along."
"JADEN! JENNY!" called out Syrus.
"Alexis! Help us!" added Chumley.
"Of course, this isn't just a normal duel," continued Nightshroud, "This will be a Shadow Game, which the loser will lose his soul, and have it forever trapped within this card. You lose, and you're in here. Same with me, but that's statistically impossible."
"How can you agree to this?" wondered Alexis.
"Same way he always has been," replied Jenny, as Jaden activated his duel disk, "Friends on the line."
"And I won't let my friends down! Besides, I'm getting used to these Shadow Games by now, I think," finished Jaden, thinking about his earlier Shadow Duels, "Get your game on!"
Jaden: 4000
Nightshroud: 4000
"Sure thing," replied Nightshroud, "I'll start with Troop Dragon in defense mode. I'll add in a facedown and end my turn."
"My go," said Jaden, "And I'm slaying that Dragon right here and now! Attack Wildheart, and slay that Dragon good!"
"Oh right," said Nightshroud, half-sarcastically, "I forgot to mention my dragon's ability! I bring out my second Troop Dragon!"
"Just go!" said Jaden, getting a little annoyed already with that Troop Dragon.
"I will," said Nightshroud, drawing his next card, "And I'll activate my facedown, Call of the Haunted. Now, by sacrificing my two Troop Dragons, I get to summon out: THE RED EYES BLACK DRAGON!"
"NOT THAT CARD!" called out Jenny, as the big bad ace of Joey's deck appeared.
"Why yes, and with about 2 dozen copies floating around the world, it shouldn't be surprising to find that I have one," countered Nightshroud, "AND I'LL ATTACK WITH INFERNO FIRE BLAST!"
Jaden: 3100
"JADEN!" cried out Alexis in concern.
"Okay, not QUITE used to it yet," joked Jaden as he stood up with some difficulty.
"Oh, you better get used to it," replied Nightshroud, "Because I'm bringing more your way."
"Not really," countered Jaden, getting his groove back, "I play Polymerization to fuse Burstinatrix and Clayman to create: Elemental Hero Rampart Blaster!"
Elemental Hero Rampart Blaster
Level: 6
Atk: 2000
Def: 2500
Effect: When in defense mode, you can inflict damage equal to half of this card's attack.
"Time to counter that Dragon with Rampart Barrage!" continued Jaden.
Nightshroud: 3000
"Now try and get at my life points!" dared Jaden.
"Not a good time to be goading him!" chastised Jenny, "Red Eyes is a powerful monster that can rival the Blue Eyes White Dragon. He's got a deck centered around dragons, so he's going to have…"
"The card that will prove you wrong," interrupted Nightshroud, "I will get at your life points, and you won't be feeling so cocky after this! I play the spell card: INFERNO FIRE BLAST!"
Inferno Fire Blast
Type: Normal
Effect1: Can only be activated if there is a 'Red Eyes Black Dragon' on your field.
Effect2: Inflict damage equal to your Red Eyes Black Dragon's attack points. Skip your battle phase after activating this card.
"Oh no!" whispered Alexis in fear.
"Jaden!" cried out Syrus, worried for his friend.
"Not lischus!" whimpered Chumley.
(AN15)
Jaden: 700
Nightshroud: 3000
"So, ready to give up?" asked Nightshroud.
"Not a chance!" said Jaden, getting up, despite the pain he was in.
"Very well then," said Nightshroud, continuing his move, "I'll summon Attachment Dragon!"
Attachment Dragon
Level: 1
Atk: 100
Def: 100
Effect: When this card is summoned, equip to one of your opponent's monsters. Once per turn, you can change the battle phase of the equipped monster.
"Now go, Attachment Dragon! Change that blaster into attack mode!" finished Nightshroud, as Rampart Blaster was forced into attack mode, "Now, I'm done."
"Hurry up Jaden!" said Syrus.
"The shield's fading fast!" added Chumley.
"My go!" said Jaden, as he drew his next card.
"Jaden, if you don't win in the next three turns, I'm taking over," said Jenny, getting impatient at Jaden's 'slow' dueling.
"I shouldn't take that long," 'I think,' responded Jaden, drawing his next card, "I play 'De-Fusion', bringing back Burstinatrix and Clayman, destroying your Attachment Dragon in the process. Next I'll add in Fusion Sage. I now play Polymerization to create, Thunder Giant!"
'Well, he IS playing faster,' thought Jenny, 'I'll give him that.'
"Go, Static Burst! Destroy that Red Eyes!" ordered Jaden.
"Counter with Inferno Fire Stream!" shouted Nightshroud.
The energy attacks collided in a fury of power, struggling against each other, until Thunder Giant charged forward and grabbed Red Eyes in a Full Nelson, pulling him down into the volcano, and into the graveyard.
"What was the point of that?" asked Nightshroud.
"For this," said Jenny.
"Burstinatrix! Flare Stream!" continued Jaden.
Nightshroud: 1800
"Oh come on," complained Jaden, "At least flinch, or twitch, or something!"
"So sorry," 'apologized' Nightshroud, "I leave that to my opponents, as I devastate them."
"Oh, we'll see about that," countered Jaden, "I play Mirage of Nightmares, and throw down a facedown. Back to you!"
"Not a bad combo," said Nightshroud, "Now you have four cards, and will use Emergency Provisions to gain a thousand life points back and keep your cards."
Jaden: 1700
"Wow, you know your tactics," complimented Jaden.
"Well, duh," said Nightshroud, "I've only seen that tactic like a dozen times since it started. So, yeah, I know that combo."
(AN16)
"So, what's next from you?" challenged Jaden.
"I play Mirage Dragon!" said Nightshroud, "And his attack is NO mirage! Attack with Spectrum Blast!"
Jaden: 1300
"I'm not done yet!" said Jaden, getting up again.
"Don't worry, it'll be over soon," replied Nightshroud.
"Chumley," said Syrus, "I just want you to know, in case we die: You're a great friend."
"SY'S GETTING MUSHY OVER HERE!" cried out Chumley, not wanting him to go on.
"Jaden, get another combo started, before he finishes you off for good," said Jenny, looking over at Nightshroud more closely this time. 'He looks familiar, but I just can't place him. I know I haven't met him yet, but his face is so familiar.'
(AN17)
"Don't worry, Jenny," said Jaden, drawing his next card, "I've got a combo alright. I play Bubbleman! This let's me draw two more cards since he's alone on my side of the field. I'll also add in Silent Doom, to bring back Sparkman. I'll finish with Fusion Gate, allowing me to fuse Avian, Bubbleman, and Sparkman to create 'Tempest'!"
Tempest
Level: 8
Atk: 2800
"Attack with Glider Strike!" continued Jaden.
Nightshroud: 600
Nightshroud couldn't contain a shudder of pain as the attack went through.
"There's that flinch," said Jaden, smirking for once.
"No flinch, but I'll admit to a twitch," countered Nightshroud, not wanting to let Jaden know he got the better of him for that one turn.
"Whatever man," said Jaden, "I'll leave you with that, plus a facedown."
"May I remind you, Jaden," said Jenny, "You have one turn left, before I take over and end it."
"Oh please," sighed Nightshroud, "Like that little display of puny power is going to stop me! Life Points don't matter when you're holding the right cards. You've played yours, and now I've got mine!"
"You're bluffing!" dared Jaden again.
Right before their eyes, the Volcano shot out multiple Dragons made of pure fire, looking like the dragons Nightshroud played in previous turns.
"Maybe not," said Jaden, with a little fear.
"No!" said Jenny, realizing Nightshroud's plan, "You don't have…"
"Ah, so you finally figured out my plan," said Nightshroud, "I'll start with Red Eyes Black Chick!"
Red Eyes Black Chick
Level: 1
Atk: 800
Def: 500
Effect: You can send this card on the field to the graveyard to special summon 1 'Red Eyes Black Dragon' from your hand.
"My kid grows up so fast," said Nightshroud, as if he's a loving daddy, "I Special Summon 'Red Eyes Black Dragon'!"
Red Eyes Black Dragon
Level: 7
Atk: 2400
Def: 2000
"But that's not strong enough for…" started Alexis.
"He's not done yet," said Jenny, as she gritted her teeth.
"She's right," continued Nightshroud, "I sacrifice my Red Eyes for the ultimate! The unstoppable! 'Red Eyes Darkness Dragon'!"
Red Eyes Darkness Dragon
Level: 9
Atk: 2400
Def: 2000
Effect: This card gains 300 attack points for every Dragon-Type Monster in your graveyard.
Atk: 2400-4500
"Here's my strongest monster! Attack with INFERNAL DARKFIRE!"
Darkness Dragon let loose a stream of molten fire straight at Tempest.
"I can't watch!" said Alexis turning away.
"JADEN! NOW!" called out Jenny, "This is your last turn, if you can survive that is!"
"Survive, nothing!" said Jaden, revealing his facedown, negate attack, "I plan on winning this! Your attack is done, and so is your battle phase."
"You've got to be kidding me!" said Nightshroud, ending his turn.
"Not kidding with Wroughtweiler in defense, along with Tempest as well," said Jaden, taking his turn in a matter of seconds.
"If you don't have a plan," said Jenny, in a slightly threatening tone, "I will take over!"
"Chill out, Jen," said Jaden, looking at her, "Have you ever known me to lose, besides to Zane?"
"Fine," sighed Jenny, "I just don't want this Volcano to become too active again with all the cards going into it and all. We DO have the island to worry about, remember?"
"We're fighting for the world, Jenny," said Alexis, "If Jaden doesn't win this, then how can we expect to survive against the other Shadow Riders?"
"You won't survive, plain and simple," replied Nightshroud, "I summon Spear Dragon, and attack Wroughtweiler!"
Jaden: 600
"I still get Polymerization and an Elemental Hero back in my hand," said Jaden, wincing through the pain.
"Give it up, and I promise no more pain, well except one final blow," said Nightshroud, "I play 'Mystical Space Typhoon' to destroy Fusion gate! Destroy Tempest!"
Jaden: 600
Nightshroud: 600
Jaden couldn't stand up anymore and fell to the ground. Jenny ran over to him and helped him up a little.
"That's enough! I'll take his place. Let them go and duel me for my spirit key! My soul is yours no matter who wins," declared Alexis.
(Mindscape)
'That foolish girl,' thought Nightshroud, 'She's willing to give up her life for these weaklings. I'll be glad to destroy her.'
'NO!' shouted back a voice from deep within his min, 'I won't let you hurt Lexi!'
'Silence! I control this body!'
'I still won't let you hurt my sister!' shouted back Atticus, fighting against the spirit of Nightshroud from within, but was knocked back with ease.
'Oh please. You don't have the power to confront me, let alone win,' replied Nightshroud, 'Let me finish them all off, and envelop this world in shadows forever!'
(Mindscape Exit)
(AN18)
"I won't let you, Alexis," said Jaden, fighting through the pain and getting up with Jenny's help, "I'm not going to let you sacrifice yourself for anyone, let alone me!"
"You ready Jaden?" asked Jenny, as she let go of him.
"Time to end this duel," said Jaden, drawing his next card.
"JADEN!" cried out Syrus and Chumley, as Lava churned around them.
"TARANEE!" called out Jenny, slapping Guardian Taranee's card on her disk, "Keep that Lava away from them!"
"Got it!" said Taranee, using her power of fire to part the waves of lava around them, keeping them safe, for now.
"And you didn't do this earlier because…" wondered Jaden and Alexis.
"Sorry!" said Jenny, having the decency to look a little mortified, "It slipped my mind about my guardians' elements in a Shadow Duel until now!"
"Okay," said Jaden, continuing his turn, "Well, if I'm going to win, I better do it this turn! I play 'Wildheart' and add in the spell 'Wild Half'!"
Wild Half
Type: Normal
Effect1: Can only be activated if 'Wildheart' is on your side of the field.
Effect2: Select one monster and cut it's original attack points in half, and special summon a 'half token' with the same attack and defense points, and special abilities.
Darkness Dragon
Atk: 4500-3300
Half Token
Atk: 3300
"I now play 'Polymerization' to bust out something new!" continued Jaden, bringing out his newest fusion monster, "I fuse Wildheart with Bladedge to summon 'Elemental Hero Wildedge'!"
Elemental Hero Wildedge
Level: 8
Atk: 2600
Def: 2300
Effect: This card can attack all of your opponent's monsters once.
"Not a bad ability," said Nightshroud, "If it only had enough attack points."
"Says you," replied Jenny, "It's over, Nightshroud! You just lost!"
"If you don't believe her, then believe SKYSCRAPER!" called out Jaden, playing his last card.
"NO!" said Nightshroud, "This is impossible!"
Wildedge
Atk: 2600-3600
"Attack with Scimitar Slash!" finished Jaden.
Nightshroud: 600-300-0
(Mindscape)
'NO! I've lost a shadow duel! Curse this weak deck!'
'It's not weak!" said Atticus, getting his second wind.
'I won't go! I'll just sacrifice you instead!' countered Nightshroud, as he turned on Atticus.
'I don't think so," said Atticus, as his Darkness Dragon appeared beside him, 'My Darkness Dragon agrees with me. And since you lost the duel, your power has been crippled enough for this! GO Darkness Dragon! DARK NOVA BURST!'
Red Eyes Darkness Dragon turned into pure darkness, with a fury so terrible that not even Nightshroud could block against it.
'NNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOO!' screamed out Nightshroud, as his soul was bounded to the blank card from before, leaving Atticus free of his control.
(Mindscape Exit)
"Taranee," said Jenny, "Can you return it to a more dormant state?"
"I can make it sleep for up to 50 years. After that, can't say," finished Taranee, using up most of her power to quell the lava as the others disappeared, leaving her alone as the lava cooled down, for now.
(AN19)
When Jenny woke up, she immediately looked towards the volcano, and saw it was dying down again.
'Good job, Taranee,' thought Jenny.
"Thanks, Jen," replied Taranee, "Catch ya next time."
She got up to see Zane, Bastion, and Chazz racing up the hill. She turned to see Alexis, Syrus, and Chumley helping up Jaden, before noticing Nightshroud on the ground a little ways away. She walked up to him, and saw his face without his mask, and realization dawned on her at once. It was Atticus, Alexis's brother that had been missing for months.
"Alexis," said Jenny in a scared tone, "You might want to see this."
"What's up Jenny…" said Alexis, before gasping at the sight of her brother, "It's Atty!"
"A… Lex… is…" groaned out Atticus, waking up for a few moments, before losing consciousness again. His fight with Nightshroud AND Jaden really took it out of him.
"Alexis, is everything okay?" asked Zane, walking up after making sure Jaden would live.
"I found him, Zane," said Alexis, tears in her eyes, "I don't know how, but he's back. My brother's back."
"Atticus!" exclaimed Zane, completely surprised for once, he knew his friend was out there somewhere, he just didn't expect his return to be this soon, 'It looks like he's actually aged a few months. Will he remember me though?'
"Come on, you two," said Jenny, as the sun rose, "We need to get these two to the infirmary right away."
"We'll need every at full strength in case the next Shadow Rider is even stronger than the last," agreed Zane, as he helped Alexis lift up Atticus.
As everyone left, Jenny stayed behind and looked at the sunrise in all its majestic glory.
'It's only begun,' thought Jenny, looking to the sun as it rose with time and the future that awaited them, 'We'll need to play it safe, but all out to actually win.'
"It's not going to be easy, is it?" asked Will, appearing next to her.
"Was it ever for Yugi?" asked Jenny.
To that, Will had no answer. The both of them watched the sunrise a little longer before turning and following the others to the infirmary where, hopefully, Jaden and Atticus can recover from the injuries they sustained in that shadow duel.
(Chapter End)
And that, my friends, is my first gift to you at going more than three episodes for one chapter. With this, I'm am going to take a break on my Digimon fic, because after all the hard work I put into making it after SO many reviews requesting it and not even getting 5 after two weeks. Hiatus; just because they can't be patient, and they're hypocrites.
So, anyone wanting to review that story that is also following this story, this is the last chance you'll get to review before my hiatus post goes up. This fic will continue next month at the latest, I hope. If not, then I'll get back to it as soon as I can.
YuGiOhFreak54: Hey, everyone needs a break once in a while, even OCs.
RDF1: Thanks, that helps.
Dx: Well, at least we won't be pressured in getting the next chapter out.
YuGiOhFreak54: Before you go, you might want to do the Author Notes.
RDF1: You're right.
Author Notes…
AN1: Well, I'm trying to work in these cards into a duel VERY SOON. Jaden HAS to take on Camula because of the whole 'Amulet' thing; not to mention Shining Flare Wingman needs his debut!
AN2: Like she could just drop out of duels without it totally ruining her record.
AN3: Hopefully this back-story will be accepted.
AN4: Setting up something for later this chapter, though it's different in how it's actually executed.
AN5: Doesn't say EXACTLY when, just when he loses. Loses what? You'll find out, sneak peeker.
AN6: If anyone mentions Speed Spells, let me say this: PRE-SPEED WORLD CREATION! Dummies, can't even tell what era it is, let alone what spell speed means back then.
AN7: If Chief had waited to attack himself, then he could have won. But, he got angry, and blinded, and led himself to the Darkside, he did. (LOL, sorry. Bit of Yoda humor again.
AN8: Like next chapter against Camula, especially after are already taken! LOL, Fail, but not really.
AN9: As in, going back to Ancient Egypt and the final 'takes too long to do a 10 turn duel' finale.
AN10: Just look at the first two-four seasons. I mean, they don't even really catch a small break until after Frieza is killed, and it doesn't take long before things really heat up from there.
AN11: Looks like Syrus is ready for trouble, as long as it's with Jaden. Either Syrus is a dedicated fan, or a fanboy.
(Steps slightly away)
AN12: Had to get a bit of revenge there.
AN13: Makes more sense than the original anime. Just trying for things to make sense in a way that the anime didn't do in translation.
AN14: Here is the result from before, just more violent than one would expect.
AN15: Lischus. Chumley says this about half the time of his appearances. Kinda sad.
AN16: Well, at least this shows he's retained at least partial energy.
AN17: She's remembering the picture, if you don't get it. Otherwise, pointless Author's Note is pointless. LOL!
AN18: Something I pulled together while watching this, because an internal struggle is just as exhausting as actually burning up yourself in exercise, just for the mind. After that, the coma makes more sense, right? Plus, you can make a parallel with Matt and Shagon, if you imagine it right.
AN19: Well, something I might be working in for something VERY, VERY late in the fanfic.
Well, that's it: until next month.
YuGiOhFreak54: See ya then. Enjoy your vacation.
RDF1: You mean work right?
YuGiOhFreak54: Yep. Enjoy it all the same.
One more reminder: YGOF54 is doing a Harry Potter and KOTOR fic. Please go to his channel and read it there. It will not be posted on mine, unless I add it to favorites.
Later,
RDF1